Phillies fire three coaches

The Phillies Zone

WASHINGTON — Moments after Game 162 ended, the Phillies commenced what could be a winter of change. First-base coach Sam Perlozzo will not be retained, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. announced at Nationals Park.

An hour later, the team revealed bench coach Pete Mackanin and hitting coach Greg Gross were not returning.

The three moves ostensibly create a chance for Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg to join the staff in 2013.

Poll

The Phillies dismissed three coaches but Juan Samuel survived. Did he deserve to go as well?

Yes.

No.

Coincidentally, team president David Montgomery traveled from Philadelphia and spent time meeting with Amaro and Manuel on Wednesday.

Perlozzo was a member of Manuel's staff for four seasons.

"It's definitely not what he did," Manuel said. "I look at him as a great teacher and tremendous coach. When you want to do some things, people on your staff, they're the ones who have to be let go or moved. That's the position it's in. It's something the organization felt we're going to go that way."

Manuel and Amaro were not available for comment following the announcement of Mackanin's and Gross' fates. Mackanin was bench coach for four years. Gross was hitting coach for two and a half seasons.